"Steve Ballmer not speaking at Apple Dev. Conf. Nor appearing on Dancing with the Stars. Nor riding in the Belmont. Just FYI," tweeted Microsoft's official Twitterers, causing much tittering and retweeting online Thursday.

Earlier a financial analyst had sent a note to investors saying Ballmer would appear at an upcoming Apple conference for software developers, promoting Microsoft programs that can be used to create iPhone apps.

It wasn't totally implausible. Jobs has appeared with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in the past.

But picturing the bombastic Ballmer taking the mic from the serene Jobs is as jarring as imagining Ballmer in sequins. Or jockeys' breeches.